B EATSELECTOR Moving Electronic Music Forward
2015 / Issue N째 1 / beatselectormagazine.com
PUBLISHER
JOSEPH WENSELL CONTRIBUTORS Chloe Aiello Joseph Arthur Karin Haslinger Stephanie Hernandez Fred Lee Allison Matyus Tyler Quick Erik L. Richardson Cory Royster
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BEATSELECTOR Magazine is a quarterly (4X Annually) digital publication using it’s pages to provide “need to know” Electronic Music & EDM information, news, who’s in the clubs and at festivals, profiles on artists, recording labels, movers and shakers, full feature articles and music & performance reviews.
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inside ISSUE NUMBER 1 MARCH 2015
features 32
JASON MILES
38
MAOR LEVI
Tyler Quick talks with Jason Miles, a synthesiser master who’s worked with some of the biggest names in the music business such as Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, and Michael Jackson. We talk shop, the state of the industry, NYC and his new album with trumpeter Ingrid Jensen.
Our first issue Cover Artist, Maor Levi, has established himself as one of the premier producers and DJs globally. In this interview, we get insight to what he’s been up to, what’s next for him and who his favorite cook is.
B EATSELECTOR Moving Electronic Music Forward
departments 06
News & ICYMI
10
In Clubs
14
At Festivals
24
Label Watch
26
Artist Profiles
44
Reviews
Cover and Table of Contents photography courtsey of Maor Levi
vNEWS & ICYMI Róisín Murphy Is Back With New Single & Album Róisín Murphy has announced the release date of her forthcoming solo album titled ‘Hairless Toys’ on the PIAS label, available on May 8th in Australia and May 11 for all other territories. It’s been eight years since the former singer of the indie electronica duo Moloko has released a solo project and this time around the music is being described as “the dark disco of European house music, Casablanca Records and Grace Jones while seamlessly taking in the freedom and organic spirit of jazz, country and gospel.” Inspiration for the album and the first single, ‘Gone Fishing,’ comes from Jennie Livingston’s Paris Is Burning, a documentary on race, class and gender in America. Róisín goes on to say ” The making of one’s world and the creation of a new, better family in music or youth cultures is a theme I touch upon elsewhere on my album ‘Hairless Toys.” Murphy’s biggest hit to date is a remixed version of “Sing It Back” a collaboration remix, sending the track to hit No.4 in Britain and to No.1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs Chart. UPCOMING PERFORMANCES May 12 Manchester, Gorilla May 13 Brighton, Concorde 2 May 14 Bristol, The Trinity Centre May 16, London, Roadhouse (Sold Out) Look for more live dates across the U.K. and Europe later this year in support of her new album.
C /roisinmurphy M/@rosinmurphy roisinmurphyofficial.com
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vNEWS & ICYMI
Hakkasan Group Signs Calvin Harris to Exclusive Three-Year Partnership
In late January 2015, Global hospitality company Hakkasan Group announced an exclusive three-year partnership with GRAMMY Award-winning artist Calvin Harris. The international DJ, writer and producer will hold residencies at three Hakkasan Group venues and split his time between Hakkasan Nightclub and WET REPUBLIC at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, and Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, which is scheduled to open this Spring. In addition to his residency deals, the collaboration will involve Harris acting as music consultant for the group’s renowned Hakkasan brand, refining and curating its global sound as it moves from restaurants and nightclubs into the hotel space. He will also be working closely with the senior team at Hakkasan Group to develop entirely new experiences and event concepts over the next three years. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Calvin
Harris as he extends his exclusive residencies with Hakkasan Group. He is a truly sensational artist and we look forward to what he will bring to our most acclaimed venues over the next three years,” said Neil Moffitt, CEO of Hakkasan Group. “Hakkasan Group’s heritage in part goes right back to the ‘90s golden era of dance music and I am excited to be able to play a part in this next chapter of its story,” said Calvin Harris. “Its venues are some of the best in the world for dance music and the opportunity to be part of the wider group as it develops into other markets and sectors is a really exciting prospect for me as an artist. We have some great ideas up our sleeves,” he continued. Coming out of an extremely successful year, Harris’ 2014 accolades included: being awarded Best Electronic Artist at the MTV EMA Awards, breaking world records by reaching over one billion streams on Spotify with his single “Blame,” (which reached the No. 1 spot globally in only three days), and releasing his fourth studio album Motion in November 2014.
Aphex Twin’s ‘Syro’ Wins GRAMMY’s Best Dance/Electronic Album of the Year
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Richard D. James, known as Aphex Twin, latest album titled ‘Syro’ was named the Best Dance/Electronic Album of the year at the 57th annual Grammy® Awards beating out deadmau5, Little Dragon, Röyksopp & Robyn and Mat Zo. ‘Syro,’ the first album of new material in 12 years was released on the web and quickly garnered high praise from the press leading up to the award. James has since been busy for the Warp label, releasing an additional EP and a whopping 150 tracks to his clandestine soundcloud account.
WMC 2015 Marks 30!
The City of Miami will bring together music enthusiasts, artists, DJs and industry pros from all around the world for the 30th edition of the Winter Music Conference on March 24 through March 28. The WMC 2015 will be hosted at the iconic Deauville Beach Resort on Miami Beach. The presenters expect a good number of registrants ranging from fans to top tier talent to industry executives from over 70 countries. WMC will hold events all over the city working with over 100 venues for parties, panels & workshops. The conference will also play host to the 30th International Dance Music Awards.
Beatport Announces Free Streaming Service
#24hoursofJackU leading up to the release of the highly anticipated JACK Ü Album. The album features 2Chainz, Justin Bieber, Kai, Aluna George and others. Get it here.
Hardwell selected and premiered several unreleased tracks from ID, Dannic, Mako, Paris and Simo, Thomas Gold and a few others that will peak your interest to listening. Check it out here.
YouTube Music Awards Beatport rolled out it’s “Free” streaming service via special invitation to industry professionals and has further positioned itself as the “go to” site for electronic music. When the service goes live, there will be no advertisements or subscription fees. Purchase “call to action” and download options will be directed through the Beatport Pro site. Additionally, Beatport will be offering unique tracks and remixes, news items, and down the road, provide concert listings. Look for the official launch at beatport.com.
Mad Decent Releases Skrillex & Diplo’s Collab Jack Ü
It’s here and early to boot! Jack Ü, the music project of Skrillex & Diplo through the Mad Decent label has been released and is now available for preview and sale at iTunes. The duo and label held an event-
Daft Punk To Release Film For Nile Rodgers’ New Album To celebrate the YTMAs, Youtube is dropping a collection of exclusive new music videos from established and emerging artists, all at once on March 23. They’ve selected some of the most original music video directors alive today to produce new videos from artists including: Cahoots, Charli XCX, Ed Sheeran, Martin Garrix, Max, Migos, Megan Nicole, Nicky Jam and Shamir. These artists will pull some of you into the action to go behind the scenes, be a part of their videos and more. Stay tuned by subscribing to the YouTube Music Awards channel, and prepare your eyeballs and eardrums to experience the music on March 23.
Hardwell Unleashes Revealed Radio Hardwell has launched his latest project, this time a new radio show to highlight Revealed Recordings, titled Revealed Radio. For the first episode,
Chic frontman Niles Rodgers recently announced via Twitter that Daft Punk has been working on an Album-Video project for Rodgers & Chic’s first release in 23 years titled “It’s About Time.“ The first single from the album “I’ll Be There” is expected to be released March 20. Directed by fashion photographers Inez & Vindooh and staring Katie Kloss, it is rumored that the feel and imagery of the video goes back to the days of the Soul Train era. Rodgers worked with Daft Punk on their hugely successful Random Access Memories release, most notably with the “Get Lucky “ single.
Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 1 | 09
vIN CLUBS
Echostage is DC’s newest and largest
UPCOMING SHOWS 03.20.2015
Excision Protohype, Minnesota
03.21.2015
Steve Aoki Headunterz, Caked Up, Botnek, Reid Stefan
04.03.2015
Alesso
Matt Goldman
04.17.2015
Martin Garrix Jay Hardway
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nightlife concert venue. Between a sprawling, 30,000 plus sq. ft. layout, top-tier sound design, and advanced LED visual displays, it’s no surprise that the versatile space – which opened in September, 2012 – has already attracted industry heavyweights such as David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Avicii, Armin van Buuren, Hardwell and Tiesto. Though the bulk of Echostage events originate from owners Antonis Karagounis and Pete Kalamoutsos’ pre-existing entertainment repertoire—which includes Club Glow and Panorama Productions—the site was renovated to accommodate live bands, emcees and a myriad of other large-scale productions. Since its inception, high production values have been paramount at Echostage. From the cuttingedge, German-imported D&B Audiotechnik V series sound system (the first of its kind on the east coast) to interior design that ensures unobstructed sight lines from any seat in the house, the sensory experience of an Echostage event distinguishes the space from other DC entertainment players.
Concert-goers can grab a close-up glimpse of the stage from the photo pit, or take a breather at two 60-foot bars that line each side of the dance floor. Visitors looking to enjoy the show from up high can cozy up to seven of their closest friends in one of the 30 bottle service Mezzanines. At the back of the room, an expert production team orchestrates each show from a raised front-ofhouse booth. “The permanent stage, the LED wall, the outstanding sound – these are what attract A-list acts,” says Kalamoutsos. “We built Echostage as a concert venue for high-caliber artists. And as a result, those artists are always impressed with the site and the quality of our production here.” Though the venue’s technical and spatial attributes easily accommodate the kind of crowds that accompany a superstar lineup, Karagounis and Kalamoutsos have established Echostage as a breeding ground for innovative local performers, too – and an integral contributor to DC’s evolving cultural fabric. C /Echostage M/@echostage echostage.com
UPCOMING SHOWS 04.24.2015
Bro Safari
Mega DC feat. Bro Safari, Brillz, Snails & CRNKN
04.25.2015
Madeon 05.01.2015
Atmosphere: Fortunate Tour B. Dolan, Dem Atlas, DJ Adatrak
06.05.2015
Hot Chip Sinkane
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vIN CLUBS CHICAGO
CROOKERS, the Italian DJ/ Producer is touring North America in support of his latest release Sixteen Chapel on Dim Mak & Ciao Records. Check him out at the SPYBAR Chicago on April 11, 2015. Show starts at 10 P.M. (CST). Fans can get the release on iTunes.
LAS VEGAS
and Dyro on April 25. Looks like Las Vegas will be having a rocking spring.
NEW YORK At OUTPUT, Chet Faker brings his DJ Set with XXYYXX, and Built By Meanred on April 7. On April 11, The MARQUEE NYC plays host to Paul Oakenfold’s 25 Years of Perfecto Records celebration. Tickets $20-30.
HAKKASAN LAS VEGAS has the next 3 months (April, May, June) booked with top tier talent featuring Calvin Harris, Aoki, Tiësto, W&W, Dimitri Vegas, Fergie DJ, Hardwell, Kill The Buzz, DVBBS, Above & Beyond and bunch more. Over at Drai’s, mid-to-late March and into April there are some great shows scheduled. Borgeous on March 28, 3LAU on April 4, Dannic on April 17
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After debuting Redlight
at Amsterdam Dance Event last year, Kryder and Tom Staar are bringing their show to PACHA on April 17. Kryder has ascended from obscurity to become one of the most sought after new names in the dance music scene. His genredefying sound fuses the most potent elements of house, trance, electro and cuttingedge electronica. Also in the booth? Tom Staar. His sophisticated approach to studio productions has seen him release on Size, Mau5trap, Axtone and Sosumi, as well as placing him into the Beatport Top 10 on numerous occasions.
LOS ANGELES
EXCHANGE LA—the March and April events calendar include Crookers, Rave of Thrones, Riva Starr, Maya Jane
Coles, and Guiseppe Ottaviani. Shows of note include March 20th with Bass Jackers and Dyro. April 4th, Insomniac presents Awakening featuring Project 46 and on April 30th, it’s Bassrush featuring Pendulum DJ Set.
SAN FRANCISCO RUBY SKYE—March 21, DYRO, Bassjackers, Stafford Brothers. April 4, Project 46 and Bynon. April 10, Icona Pop DJ Set, April 24, Paul Oakenfold.
AMSTERDAM STUDIO 80 is hosting AUS Music Label Night on April 11. Representing the label are Will Saul, Marquis Hawkes, and Interstellar Funk. Beginning April 24, AIR will kick off a series for 5 days in celebration of their 5 year Anniversary. Visit their site for details. MØ is at MELKWEG on April 7. The SUGARFACTORY has some interesting programming in April including Wicked Jazz Sounds on Sundays and Techno Tuesdays with Dexon, Aleksandar Vidinovski, Nick Fontana, Mischa Duncan.
LONDON At XOYO Tiger & Woods, Lindstrom, Mr. Tophat & Art Alfie on March 20. Live Nation presents Logic and special guests on March 21. On April 3rd, Brodinski Album Launch plus guests.
Other upcoming shows in the San Francisco area include Madeon on April 10 at THE REGENCY BALLROOM. Squarepusher is at the MEZZANINE on April 11. Sylvan Esso has two dates at the FILLMORE, April 21 & 22. May 2 at the CATAYLST in Santa Cruz brings Shlohmo and Infected Mushoom.
The NEST has Artful Dodger, Yasmin, and Shorebitch
DJS on March 20. Hospital Records & Hospitality second installment at London’s Building Six is scheduled for May 1st. Scheduled to perform are Dynamite MC, SP:MC, Carasel and Master X, Cameo & Krooked, High Contrast, London Elektricity, and a bunch more.
PARIS The Prodigy performs at the Zenith on April 14. Flying Lotus will be at Le Trianon on April 25. OLYMPIA has SBTRKT on April 27.
BERLIN March 25, TRESOR will present BHC: New Faces with The Noisemakern BLNDR, Synthek, and Miss Italia. MDR Night at BERGHAIN on March 28 with Planetary Assult Systems, Gesloten Cirkel Anthony Parasol, and more.
VIENNA Turbo presents Anthony Parasol at GRELLE FORELLE on March 27. Wicked resumes at FLEX on April 25 with WickedSquad, Spaceant + Mariposa, Heatzy Live, Intro by Unics + MissCap, VJ Her Rni. Rekorder has multiple dates at the ELEKTRO GÖNNER beginning on April 8. On April 14 the Tricky Women Festival Party takes over the club
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vAT FESTIVALS Insomniac’s Beyond Wonderland March 20-21
2015 EUPHORIA Music & Camping Festival Just a few minutes outside of Austin, Texas, Carson Creek Ranch is a vast site sitting on 40 acres and having the Colorado River on the borders will once agin host the Europhia Music & Camping Festival on April 10-12, 2015. Now in it’s fourth year, the self described “boutique” festival continues to book talent and offer programming that captures the attention of EDM fans and consumers as a choice destination for a musical and camping experience. This year’s lineup includes Pretty Lights, Ghostland Observatory and Theivery Corporation. Tickets are still available but you have to act fast! Visit http://www.euphoriafest.com/tickets
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Insomniac’s Alice and crew brings excitement back to SoCal with the return of Beyond Wonderland March 20 and 21. The Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, Alice and more will be transforming the San Manuel Amphitheater and Grounds into your own personal amusement park. And no festival production would be complete without a stellar soundtrack. If you were awaiting the list of artists curating the score to your adventure, look no further.
Awakenings Easter Special April 2-5, 2015 Mention Awakenings to any techno fan, and their eyes will instantly light up in excitement. And that’s because their nights are always so legendary. Think the finest DJs surrounded by insane visuals and unbeatable vibes, and hey presto, you’ve got Awakenings! Returning to Amsterdam’s Gashouder for an Easter Special this early April, the techno gurus will once again be raving from 10 till 8 with the likes of Sven Väth, tINI and more, guaranteeing it’ll be an Easter you’re unlikely to forget.
AEG Live & Global Dance present the Fourth Annual Global Dub Festival at Red Rocks
Upcoming Spring Festivals
” 03.27-03.29.2015 ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL Miami, FL. USA 05.21-25.2015 LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE Bradley, CA. USA
AEG and Global Dance are bringing the bass back to Red Rocks for another installment of the biggest bass music event to hit the Rocky Mountains: Global Dub Festival! The fourth annual Global Dub Festival 2015 feat. EXCISION with ZOMBOY, plus many more acts live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado, on Friday, May 15, 2015. For three consecutive years, thousands of low-end loving Global Dancers have packed the most beautiful venue in the world to the brim, selling out each year! This year’s event is no different bringing back Global Dub veterans Excision (Half Man, Half Robot, Half Dinosaur) and undead bass peddler Zomboy among others. General Admission tickets are $45 plus applicable service charges while supplies last. All ages are welcome. VIP tickets available for $75.00 or $100 and include access to a prime VIP Seating Area.
05.22-05.24 2015 COUNTERPOINT MUSIC FESTIVAL Rome, GA .USA 04.18.2015 PACHA FESTIVAL 2015 Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS 05.24-05.25 2015 ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL New York, NY USA 05.28.-05.30 2015 PRIMAVERA SOUND 2015 Barcelona, SPAIN 05.29.2015 ELECTRONIC BEATS FESTIVAL Cologne, GERMANY
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vSNOWSTORM FESTIVAL 2015
A& RECAP Experiencing the People at the First Snowstorm Festival
Saturday night, March 7, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois, marked the first ever Snowstorm Festival, a muchanticipated EDM white party featuring an enviable, albeit eclectic, lineup of electronic talent with living art installations from the esteemed Chicago performance group, Redmoon Theater, alongside. Newer names in music, such as Zimmer and ASTR shared the stage at Chicago’s Navy Pier with the likes of RJD2 and Moby. Electrofunk duo, Orchard Lounge, even repped Chicago, throwing down a bass-heavy set midway through the evening.
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Written & Photographed by
Chloe Aiello
[
As any music buff knows, festivals have the unique power to attract quintessentially eccentric crowds, providing the singular opportunity for secret freaks from all walks of life to unite in celebration of righteous beats. I perused the crowd to get a handle on the type of people that made it out for Snowstorm’s debut, and cannot say I was disappointed. Whether yuppies, artists or golden oldies, one thing’s for certain, these folks LOVE Moby.
Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 1 | 17
vSNOWSTORM FESTIVAL 2015
Some of the faces at Snowfest, who they are, what they had to say and why they came ...
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{
Kindra and Alex Andersonville, Chicago
CA: What brings you out to Snowstorm? K: A couple years ago, I was at a street festival and [Red Moon] held a drumming lesson with buckets. They had a mini bike-mobile, drum machine, if you will. There were two people making it move and three people on it going nuts drumming, and they had a Segway that was blowing bubbles and they could DJ from this Segway. They got like a hundred people involved, drumming on these buckets—I got involved. I saw people running so I got sticks and buckets for my friends and I was just like ‘I don’t know where we’re going but we’re going!’ I saw them again that same year at Halsted Fest. A: We like these events because we can get dressed up. I follow their theater company because they do really interactive stuff. CA: So are you here more for Red Moon than the music? K: Well, yea…but I do like Moby. Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 1 | 19
vSNOWSTORM FESTIVAL 2015
“ Justina Wicker Park Chicago CA: What is that you’re holding? Justina: This is a food service device, we will be going into the VIP room in just a second. I am a performer tonight [with Red Moon], but a lot of us have costumed, produced and done music as well. B: What events have you done in the past? J: I just helped out with the annual New Year’s party recently. I mostly do the events that Red Moon hosts, fundraisers or giant spectacle performance events. Red Moon will be having a Devil’s Cabaret, that’s the next production they are doing, coming up in April. B: What do you do aside from working with Red Moon? J: I’m a musician, that’s what I do. I am playing at the Hideout soon. B: What to you go by? J: Fee Lion. It’s a one-woman band, consisting of me. It’s witch disco, dream pop. B: Would you come to an event like Snowstorm if you weren’t working? J: Yeah, I think I might, but I love underground music release parties and secret preview events. That is a scene I am really interested in.
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“
David and BJ Madison, Wisconsin CA: Do you come to festivals a lot? BJ: No! D: I like electronic music; I compose my own stuff too. [My artist name] is…well it sounds like unknown, but in French. (Inconnu?) I work in IT, computers. BJ: There’s a real mix here, I’m sure you have a pretty big computer crowd and you just don’t know it. CA: Does a particular artist draw you here? D: Moby, we’ve been listening to him for a long time. Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 1 | 21
vSNOWSTORM FESTIVAL 2015
“ Audrey and Anna Wicker Park, Gold Coast Chicago CA: Do you come to festivals a lot? Au: Not really, no! We don’t come that often, but we like electronic music. This is great. CA: What do you do outside of listening to music? Au: Workout, I have yoga tomorrow—pretty exciting. CA: Do you have a typical 9-5er? Au: A little bit more than that, a little bit more. Al: We are consultants; we are on the corporate end of the spectrum (laughs). CA: Which particular artist draws you here tonight? Au: We are mostly here for Moby.
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“ Shane NW Suburbs Chicago CA: What brings you out to Snowstorm? S: The winter weather, I’m just trying to enjoy a good time with good people…and Moby. He’s a 90s classic. CA: Do you attend other types of festivals? S: We do all of the festivals around [Chicago], my buddy went to the first year of Rothbury. CA: What do you do outside of music festivals? S: I’m a broker in the West Loop and this is a mind vacation I need every week. I’m actually from the suburbs but I’m down here all the time. I go to Parliament, it’s in the River North area, [and] Social 25. I’m really trying to get my hipster game on, out in Wicker Park. I’m a big fan of the scene and the restaurants—I’m a big beer fan.
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vLABEL WATCH
Year Established 2011
CEO
Michael Darlington (Pictured LFT)
Founders
Michael Darlington Ari Paunonen
Home Base
Vancouver, BC CANADA
Website
monstercat.com
Facebook Monstercat
Monstercat
Soundcloud Monstercat
Youtube
MonstercatMedia
Instagram Monstercat
Twitch TV Monstercat
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Monstercat signs artists for single releases only, rather than exclusivity deals, which lets its artists retain copyright control of their song and the ability to release tracks on other record labels. The label follows a cycle, releasing three new tracks a week (usually on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) in addition to an hourlong podcast that is streamable every Tuesday at 1PM PST on Monstercat’s Twitch Channel. About every thirty song releases, a new album is compiled containing these and two continuous mixes of the album. Releases are made available on Monstercat’s site, iTunes, Xbox Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, Google Play Music, and are featured on the Monstercat YouTube and Twitch channels. 2014 was a banner year for Monstercat. The label teamed up with Electric
Family, an EDM Lifetsyle brand that produces a collaboration bracelet donating 100% of it’s sales to the Humane Society of Canada. In June, Monstercat reached one million units in sales in the United States and in July kicked off it’s first official 20 date tour titled The Uncaged Tour featuring Pegboard Nerds, Stephen Walking and Varien. In September 2014, Monstercat celebrated its 3-year anniversary with a mix containing 78 of the top tracks from Monstercat’s history. In December 2014, Monstercat became the 8th largest YouTube channel in Canada and has broken into the Top 250 in the world and launched their 24 hour digital radio station, hosted and streamable on Twitch.tv We’re looking forward to what the label has in store for us in 2015. So should you.
Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 1 | 25
vARTIST PROFILE
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Getting to know Sean Layton, aka DJ/Producer Illustrated, through his music made our decison to profile him a “no brainer.” Layton’s short list of releases, which can be found at his SoundCloud page, are simply put-awesome and exciting. We are thrilled to introduce Illustrated to the world and to start a bit of “buzz” for this artist with breakout potential. According to his biography, Layton’s pursuit into the music world began at an early age beginning first to develop his music, performance skills, and a unique style that would produce several future projects and collaborations in a variety of genres, eventually falling in to the electronic category. Making a move from Texas to Los Angeles in 2012, Layton took a big step to pursue his calling to the EDM scene and take himself to the next level. 2012 would prove to be a significant year for the DJ/Producer. In April, Layton released his debut EP titled “Mental Drug” on the Solar Sound Records label. Shortly thereafter, Xbox came calling and contracted the usage of the single of the same name for their hit game “Saints Row 4.” The following month, Solar Sound Records teamed up with Soundtrack Loops—a large music production software company and Image Line to organize a worldwide remix competition for his single, “Subtle Hints” leading to the placement of the track for a promotional commercial for the TV Series Beauty And The Beast on the CW Channel. Moving forward, Layton competed with hundreds of other DJs/ Producers in an artist showcase organized by Five of Five Music Entertainment, a label operating
out California State University in Northridge. At the competition, Five of Five chose Layton as the “Artist of the Year” and awarded him an opportunity to release music with all advantages including marketing & management services with the label. The relationship produced Layton’s next EP “Define Me” and the release of the single “Tidal Wave.” The accolades followed quickly with high praise coming from popular music blogs, Youtube Channels, fans and peers. Layton is now being recognized as a “virtuoso” in the EDM genre. His natural flow of combining beautifully crafted melodies with dream-like textures, hard-hitting intensity, sophisticated beats and infusing many different influences of several genres, creates a signature sound that is unique to him. So what’s next for Layton? He’s working on a new EP writing all the songs with Tony Fagenson of the band Eve 6. When asked about the project, Layton states “It’s going along amazing so far, Tony’s a great writer, and it feels like a breath of fresh air to be collaborating with someone who gets my vibe. Not to mention he comes from the world I grew up on. We are really focusing on my strengths, and getting the song writing blue print down first, and building the tracks around the vibe of the vocals. So far everything is really melodic, and we’ve been experimenting with some guitar elements to layer the songs with.“ The EP will be shopped to various labels and released soon. In the meantime, check out his music at SoundCloud, Youtube, and Beatport.
SEAN LAYTON AKA
C /illustratedmusic M/@illustrated illustrated-music.com
Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 1 | 27
vARTIST PROFILE
OLIVER
HUNTEM
28 | Beatselector Magazine | Issue N째 1
MANN
Oliver Huntemann, raised in Oldenburg, Germany, began his journey in the music world by simply taping radio shows, buying his first singles, and experimenting with belt-driven turntables. In the late Seventies, rap, graffiti, the breakdance phenomenon along with groundbreaking artists Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash and Whodini would be large influences and serve as chief inspirations for Huntemann, who at the time, was only 10 years old.
Beatselector Magazine | Issue N째 1 | 29
vARTIST PROFILE OLIVER HUNTEMANN
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Fast forward to 1984, Huntemann began his 6 year training in electronic engineering with the German Navy, then moving on to organizing electronic acid house music events in Oldenberg and establishing connections with DJ and sound engineer Gerret Frerichs and Jazz musician H.G. Schmidt. This friendship would lead to the formation of the Humate project and the release of the singles ‘Chrome’ in 1992 and ‘Love Simulation’ in 1993 on the Berlin based label MFS. Huntemann then would move on to producing and releasing his own projects and collaborations with Stephan Bodzin, starting the Confused Recordings label. His work from this period would also appear on Sven Väth’s Cocoon Label and Anthony Rother’s Datapunk Label. In 2004 Huntemann released his debut album ‘Too Many Presents For One Girl’ on Confused Recordings. Two years later, Huntemann teamed up with DJ Hell’s International DeeJay Gigolo Records with his second release ‘Fieber.’ He would go on to build record labels and studios, record and release four full length albums and numerous 12” singles, and remix popular smash hit singles from Depeche Mode, The Chemical Brothers, Yello, and dozens more. Huntemann’s latest projects are a series titled PLAY! Spread over 2CDs, PLAY! and described as relays the natural energy of the dance-floor and the gig, captured and recorded live in the great cities of Vienna, Sao Paolo, Paris, New York and Melbourne, whilst also indicating that the listening experience is in the hands of an artist who has a clear vision for his musical journeys. PLAY! is an accurate representation of the music Oliver is currently playing at his DJ gigs, and the selection reminds us why he has remained relevant for more than two decades. Currently, Huntemann runs Senso Sounds, a label releasing the finest in underground dance music and is touring across Europe.
Upcoming European Dates
”
03.21.2015 Die Tischerei Linz, AUSTRIA 04.03.2015 Kite Akara, TURKEY 04.04.2015 Rakete Nümberg, GERMANY 04.05.2015 Douala Ravensburg, GERMANY 04.10.2015 Dock Pullman Paris, FRANCE 04.17.2015 Corvinteto Budapest, HUNGARY 04.18.2015 Pecsi Est Cafe Pecs, HUNGARY
Follow C /OliverHuntemannOFC M/@OliverHuntemann oliverhuntemann.tv Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 1 | 31
KINDof N
A Conversation with Synth Master Jason Miles
NEW
Written by Tyler Quick
Jason Miles was mastering synth melodies when most of your favorite electronic artists were in the womb. He is a four-time Grammy nominee, as well as a winner. The man has produced and played on tracks for David Sanborn, Luther Vandross, and, most notably, Miles Davis. His work informed the synthesizer craze which spurned the development of electronic music, and probably has influenced some of your favorite artists—although he may not have an approving opinion of them.
vFEATURE JASON MILES TQ: So, Jason, let’s start with the boring cliché questions. How long have you been playing music? Which instruments do you play? JM: Since I was 7 years old. My first instrument was the accordion. There was a place down the block from my house and they played accordion, and my mom took me there, so that’s how I started. I play—of course—the key board, piano, a bit of guitar, bit of bass; I’m a pretty good percussionist. TQ: You’re from New York, and that’s really where you began your career. So would you
Photography by Eleonora Alberta
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say that your career began when you were seven? JM: I went to Indiana State University. I didn’t study music in college, and sort of bailed on music in college. Music was a passion, but I couldn’t get a passion out of the education. I listened to a lot of music in the 70s. Even though I was really into music, being in the middle of nowhere in Indiana, I had to really put it aside for a bit. But the Columbia records warehouse was down the block from my house. My wife worked there and would get me into these sales every month; albums were a dollar.
TQ: So, you got started when you went back to New York when you graduated? JM: Yeah, we got into our car, loaded it up with our books and moved to New York. My cousin had called me a couple of days before I got home, and told me about her boyfriend’s band. Then, I started meeting people.
City. But it’s really easier to find your voice when you’re not being influenced by people every day. I live in Orange County now. But, I am teaching at the New School this semester—the Miles Davis electric ensemble. I do that once a week and I have meetings, so I’m down there a lot.
TQ: Are you still based in NYC?
TQ: Do you think the city has had an influence on your work?
JM: After I came back, I moved outside of the city. I needed to develop where my vibe was at, and it would have been really great being in New York
JM: Of course, it was in the grittiness of the music, the fucked upness of the city. In the ‘70s, New York I remember to the music.
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vFEATURE JASON MILES TQ: You’ve said the city’s globalism and multiculturalism really affects your work?
you know what you’re doing. You can create music without knowing anything about it.
JM: Yeah, in [his band] Global Noize, we had Falu, who is an Indian singer. I love the tonal scales of Indian music. I love Arabic music also; music from the Middle East. I love the energy of Brazil, and got into Brazilian music for real in 1974. I’m a global operation. I’ve been recording everywhere.
TQ: What do you mean by that?
TQ: Yeah, you’ve worked with some big names. How did this come to be. JM: You know, I met Joe Beck, and Will Lee, and David Sanborn, and I just started meeting people in the scene. I got to thinking, what was gonna make me different than everybody? TQ: And that was? JM: I was a very early adapter in synthesizers, I learned how to program great shit and make great sounds. I was still studying classical music in New York with Lucy Green, so I knew my shit, but the really great players in New York had no idea what to do with synth and producers were starting to request it. TQ: Was there a specific moment that you began to blow up? JM: There were a few. Jamaica Boys: that was the first album I brought a keyboard rig into. I started to make this album with great sound and great keyboard stuff. The big names were the ones demanding it. Using synthesizers was really being demanded now. After working with Miles [Davis], my name was really starting to come out there. I had to put my own work on the back burner, because the work was so much and the money was so good. We made some amazing albums. TQ: Just like that? JM: Back in the day, when you were really, really good and you really, really worked at it, there was a chance that you would get a break and have the chance to show your stuff. Now it doesn’t matter if
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JM: What cheapens the production is when somebody doesn’t know what they’re doing, when people are less talented, not when great people have the tools at their disposal. Somebody like Miley Cyrus is really a terrific artist, but is making music that has very little pop validity to me. I love great pop music, Madonna’s early shit, but this stuff is lacking solid production. I’m working with a young band right now, that I have a lot of hope for, and it’s gonna require more than one person. The big corporations have really taken over. TQ: Well what’s the solution to that? JM: I don’t even know to be very honest with you, what do you say about a business that is falling apart where there is no business. What do you say about people who are getting rich off of songwriters who aren’t getting any money for their songs? I know songwriters that are making $150.00 for songs with 4 million spins on Spotify. TQ: Can’t there be a political solution there? JM: The solution is there, streaming is fine, it’s perfectly acceptable, but the payment scale is not good the way that it is. It’s not an acceptable model that the labels are the rights-holders not the artists. You used to be able to do business with them—big labels, people used to complain about X being crap, the artists forgot that those people making pop music and selling millions of albums. But they were making money, and to their credit, they were using subsidiaries of Columbia/Sony because they had the money to fund smaller things like Jazz, but once everybody said fuck the record companies and fuck you, that really happened, the music got cut. TQ: What’s your opinion on the electronic music craze? JM: I have a very big distaste for EDM, I don’t like
EDM, I don’t think there is any warmth to the music. I don’t understand it. I just saw this movie on Swedish House Mafia. I don’t even know who they are; all they were doing is standing on stage, pumping their fists. There are all of these little motifs, but no songs. It’s theatrical. I’m not shunning it, because I loved Kraftwork. Where they’ve taken it now is such a place of extreme, there is nothing in the music. I don’t know who their fans are, and I don’t know what they get out of it.
experience going out and playing it. TQ: And where will people be able to get it? JM: On April 14th, it will be out on iTunes and our website. There will be a vinyl release sometime after.
TQ: Tell us a bit more about your upcoming album. JM: What inspired this album is the Miles Davis Cellar Door Sessions. I was with Miles one day and we were just hanging at his house. We talked, and played some music. Miles totally had it together. He knew exactly what he wanted. We wanted to replicate that. This album is a really great collaboration between us. We feel that this music is really something special. It’s not unattainable for people to get into this. TQ: Yeah, tell us some more about Ingrid and your relationship with her. JM: Ingrid is a world-class trumpet player who’s been on the scene for a while. She has put out stuff on her own. I saw that it’s time that she steps up to that next level. She needs to be a force within herself. I knew how to make this music. I produced the album, and Ingrid and I came up with the concepts. TQ: What kinds of themes inform this album? JM: Jazz is supposed to be welcoming in all kinds of ways, but that’s bullshit. When we are making a music with a certain spirit to it, it’s the spirit of this country, of urbaness, we’re trying to break down boundaries and include people and bring more people into the music. [The track] “Seeing Through the Rain,” is about Ferguson, Missouri. There aren’t a lot of people doing this. A lot of acoustic, mathematician jazz, because they aren’t able to
Photography by Eleonora Alberta
Follow Jason Miles
Follow Ingrid Jensen
C /jason.miles2
C /Ingridtrumpet
M/@JasonMiles
M/@gridjam
jasonmilesmusic.com
ingridjensen.com
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exuding the PLUR Lifestyle
MAOR LEVI Over the last decade, Maor Levi has made a name for himself in the EDM world. Stepping on the scene as a teenager, he worked his way up by dishing out hit after hit. Having played festivals with fellow electronic alums Bassnectar, Cash Cash, Hardwell—to name a few—Maor Levi is no amateur when it comes to lighting up a crowd. Moments after playing his song Picking Up The Pieces, I was overcome with intoxicating, freeing feelings of happiness and euphoria. There is no doubting the fact that his upbeat, first-rate music exudes the “PLUR” lifestyle. Maor Levi’s distinguished beat-making artistry has landed him collaborations with other large artists like Skrillex, The Killers and Gabriel & Dresden. With his already extensive resume and list of accomplishments only expanding with more remixes, singles and top secret side projects (to be revealed later in the year), it comes as no surprise that he is on the road to being one of the EDM scenes hottest producers. Here at BEATSELECTOR we were able to pick the brain of the Israeli beat mastermind and peek into the creative mind behind the turntables. In this captivating interview he talks change in the EDM industry, inspirations and upcoming projects.
Written by Stephanie Hernandez
vCOVER FEATURE MAOR LEVI SH: Tell us about your favorite part about producing a song. ML: My favorite part is probably starting from scratch and then get into a point where the first melody or hook you come up with is ‘The One’ you’re going to end up using, pretty much an inspiration on a golden tray and lets not forget - The Drop in the song. SH: What message are you trying to send with your music? ML: Mostly positivity and love. I’ve always been melodic and even when I go towards Bass music I try to blend that ‘Maor Levi’ emotion in it, and another message which is ‘fuck genres.’ I’ve always been sticking to that life motto of mine, and I love to make everything...so just shut up and enjoy the music pretty much. SH: What is the creative process you go through when writing a new song? ML: Funnily enough, I used to start with an intro which usually consists of drums and sound effects and never really had a written hook or a melody, I was just letting it flow. But these days I try to come up with a Melody first, then a Vocal hook if I feel it or even a full on written vocal track...depends on what I think is right for the track. Eventually the creative process is to come up with your own sound and it’s never too bad to blend in your favorite influences. SH: Since first getting into the industry, how do you feel the EDM scene has changed? ML: A lot. I started from Hardstyle and Happy Hardcore music then explored Psy-Trance and Goa. It’s funny to see how all that stuff is coming back in a different way after it had its downtime for few years. I also embrace the change...its always refreshing if you think about it. Yes, Hardstyle and Psy-trance are not the same as it was 10 years ago, but it’s still here in its own new way, which I find really cool. No doubt, the EDM industry is more mainstream than ever, but some of those mainstream hits are really good productions nonetheless, and I can appreciate that as a Musician.
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SH: How do you feel your music has changed? ML: My music is constantly changing. When I think about it, people use to categorize me into genres, but I never categorized myself into genres. I always did what I liked to do and for me it’s music in general whether to you it’s Electro House or Progressive Trance. I never thought about it while making a track because I love way too many genres and if I only could (which I still try) to blend some of my favorites into a track, then yes I would do it and will keep trying and evolving constantly. SH: When you were first listening to EDM what was it that inspired you to do this for a living? ML: I didn’t know I was going do it for a living, but I definitely thought it’s refreshing, the complexity and sounds being used compared to genres I used to listen to which was mostly Jazz, Pop & Rock. I was very interested to know how it’s being made and why does it sound so cool, what’s behind the progress...I think once I got into ‘how the heck do they make it?’ then I realized I really dig this music and the process behind it. SH: Now that you have a successful career what artist(s) inspire you today and why? ML: A lot of new-comers that I can say are way ahead of me. I call them the magic trio which are obviously Zedd, Porter Robinson & Madeon...my sound has been very influenced by them for the past year and I love how ‘rich’ and complex it is. My music has always been complex and after listening to their stuff. I realize how creative you can get by doing it. Aside the magic trio, I have way too many artists in that industry that inspire me, but I’ll give mad props to people like Skrillex, Noisia, Knife Party, Mark Knight, Guy Gerber and many many more. They’re keeping it real and fresh. SH: Who would you like to work/collaborate with in the future?
ML: It’s a tough question. I love way too many artists from all kinds of different types of music, but I can say that currently its Hans Zimmer. Constantly mind blown by this guy’s compositions and it’s very inspiring and challenging for me. I would rather learn from him rather than collaborate as I think he’s in a level where I can’t really match, but obviously I would love that either way ha ha. SH: What is it in particular that you think has brought you so much success? ML: I think it was because I started at a very young age and was capable of bringing something fresh to the table. I can also say I had some great support from my friends Above & Beyond and Markus Schulz that supported my tracks despite the horrible quality back in the day, and I’m very grateful for that. After that, it motivated me to continue contributing and become better and most importantly creative and bringing something new to the table again and again. SH: What advice would you give to a young, aspiring artist that may be struggling to find their own voice or style? ML: Practice, listen, learn and most importantly create your own signature sound. Taking inspiration from your favorite artists is not a bad thing, but take what you love and turn it into your own vision, how you see it through your eyes and ears and embrace the change, be the change. SH: What do you hope to accomplish in 2015? ML: An album hopefully, more shows, more music and most importantly diversity...and maybe who knows, finding a new talent and take them under my wing. But I would love to keep making music that makes people happy with a lot of positive vibes and always keeping it real! Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 1 | 41
vCOVER FEATURE MAOR LEVI SH: What upcoming music projects do you have for 2015? ML: A lot of new singles and Remixes in the works, and some secret side projects which ill reveal later in the year, but I can say that things are looking good and I’m hoping to bring in some refreshing sounds to people’s ears. SH: What does your tour schedule look like? ML: At the moment its very chilled. I’m taking that time off to focus on more music in the studio, but I’m definitely hoping for a lot of shows this year, hard work pays off as they say...and I can’t wait to play my music to different audiences and of course, capture the reaction and energy! SH: Are there venues & festivals you’ve not performed at that you would like to? ML: A lot. I’d love play pretty much every big festival such as Ultra, TomorrowLand, Burning Man and EDC. I haven’t played at many festivals in my career, and those are the best gigs in my opinion. So, the more the merrier, who doesn’t love festival vibes? SH: Do you have a favorite club & festival? Why are these your favorites? ML: I think my favorite club without a doubt was Surrender Vegas. It has really awesome vibes and rich production and just people coming to have good time. It has been really great every time I played there. Favorite festival was my first festival ever in the US called ‘Lucky’ from USC Events. Those guys are some of the best people I’ve worked with, quality production, awesome crowd, venue was incredible and the hospitality was top notch...I’m hoping for a lot more to come! SH: How do you prepare for an upcoming show? ML: Checking out new promos constantly, looking for something fresh that I know that can work both on the dance floor and radio. I also take that time to test my own new tracks and maybe push a few favorite classics into the set and of course trying to rest and be healthy before I wreck my liver (L.O.L.). SH: Describe your experience working with The Killers, Gabriel & Dresden, and Skrillex.
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ML: All of the above were great remixing experiences for me as a person who’s listening to those artists on daily basis and as a person who started to get into this type of music and adding this direction to my sound. That was my opportunity to take my favorites and re-mix them with my own vision and style. It was fun and mostly smooth as I knew exactly what I wanted do to each one of those tracks and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do so. SH: What’s your Favorite food to cook and why? ML: I usually don’t cook, like at all. My mom is my eternal chef and she’s the best when it comes to cooking. I can say I can make eggs (ha ha). My favorite food is probably Middle Eastern food. As an Israeli guy, it’s in my culture and it’s spicy and refreshing all the time, it’s delicious and healthy and most importantly filling, has all the nutrition you need and it’s very unique compared to other cultures, but again, it’s just a matter of taste and choice! SH: Favorite city and why? ML: San Diego, that’s where I live and also it’s in the great California. I also like this city because it reminds me of my hometown, Ashkelon in the South of Israel, similar weather and feeling and it’s also not really crowded compared to other big cities in the United States. I used to live in New York and hated it after a month. SH: Last movie you’ve seen? Would you recommend it? ML: I don’t really watch too many movies, but the last movie I watched was A Night at the Roxbury. For me personally, it is that kind of movie I can watch over and over again and I’ll never get sick of it. Yes, I highly recommend it if you’re about the glitter and PLUR life! SH: Last novel/book you’ve read? ML: Sadly, I don’t read books....does Future Music Magazine count? SH: What music are you currently listening to the most? ML: I’m listening to a lot of Techno and Trap. It’s one of those phases again (ha ha), but I find these two styles coming up with really interesting variations and production technique that I find very inspiring. I love how unique it is and Techno has always been an important part of my life and also my favorite genre to listen to when I go out clubbing.
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vLEAD CD REVIEW
INFECTED MUSHROOM Friends on Mushrooms (Deluxe Edition)
Dim Mak
Erez Eisen and Amit Duvdevani comprise the main members and masterminds behind Infected Mushroom. The duo are legends in their native country (Haifa, Israel) and established boundary pushers of the electronic genre outside of it. Armed with a cavalcade of sounds and ideas. Their forthcoming, Friends on Mushrooms album continues their vibrant take on the genres of Dubstep, Trance, House, Ska, and Drum-nBass. The 17 track outing blends the changing chords, basslines and synthesizers into a cohesive cascade of sounds. Think waves or sheets of layered choppy, retracted, electrified notes pulsating through the fabric of your auditory senses. Infected Mushroom are masters of tempo and the sublime.
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One wouldn’t be surprised to hear their compositions in video games, car commercials, or general soundscapes. The digital composition of the tracks feel more spacey and open ended, even after the song transitions. You will find that the more lyrically driven pieces (Rise Up feat. Savant) provide a softer, more thematic blend to the album. It really synthesizes well with the overall cohesion of the album. There are small and large surprises through out. The wind up of sparse lead-ins, relative to the thump of the bassline dropping makes for quite a good listening journey. Anticipatory? Yes. Fulfilling and gratifying via the production are the hallmarks of electronica. Friends on Mushrooms, is a ride you line up knowing you’re going to sweat it out. On the dance-floor, in your car, at home, or wherever you happen to hear the gush of color and sound. -Erik L. Richardson Beatselector Magazine | Issue N° 1 | 45
vEP & SINGLES REVIEWS ESCAPE Just Escape EP AUS Music
ASTRONAUT & FAR TOO LOUD War The Remixes Monstercat
Astronaut, an emerging pair of producers from Bristol, U.K, currently living in Los Angeles teamed up with Far Too Loud to release ‘War The Remixes’ featuring Teddy Killerz, F.O.O.L. & Didrick, Diskord, The Frederik, and Zuko. The label, Monstercat, states this “remix package is the perfect regiment for anyone on the hunt for an incredible array of dynamic and diverse tracks that pack enough punch to be viewed as weapons of mass stereo destruction.” It does not dissapoint! Each of the five (5) mixes showcase the diversity of the remixers involved, building up to high energy with great infectious beats and a melody that will get stuck in your head. Particularily, the F.O.O.L. & Didrick remix is the track that stands out the most and IMO should have people moving their bums on the dance floor. Look for them on the festival and club circuit and check out their animated video series that accompanies their single(s).
COLE MEDINA Tropical Funk EP Fly By Night Music
The three words that best describe Cole Medina’s EP Tropical Funk are: Groovy, Funky, Steady. His song Big Pimpin has such a groove beat to it that you won’t be able to stop your head from rocking. His title track Tropical Funk sets the mood for a scene straight out of a 70s disco. Medina’s unique twist on electronic music is definitely something to admire with the remix even adding Latin drum beats in the mix. While listening to the sounds of the disco days in this EP I imagined Charlie’s Angels flying out of a plane, onto a boat and off into the sunset; win. —Stephanie Hernandez
—Joseph Arthur
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This Glasgow based beat makers latest EP Just Escape is one for all you underground, “I jammed to him before he famous” listeners out there. Just Escape provides sweet melodic vocals mixed with a trance techno beat that’ll give you the feels. Listen. Love. —Stephanie Hernandez
JEM HAYNES Ready To Roll EP Colour Series
Jem Haynes EP Ready to Roll has a steady tone. If you live for “THAT DROP DOE,” then this is not the music for you, rather someone who enjoys a changeless substantial dance beat. Jem Haynes created a unique sound that will mimic the soundtrack of a dramatic car chase. Although, the beats in his songs are a bit repetitive it’ll make you want to turn it up and speed the whole way home. —Stephanie Hernandez
and bouncy at times, the songs fell flat on providing a steady enough beat to dance to. Ruff Dug received points on his crafty beat choices but the variations were random and hard to dance to. This EP had all the components of a great video game sound track, yet is less than great in the electronic DANCE scene.
PBR STREETGANG & X-PRESS 2 Cosine (feat.Lauer/A Sagittariun Remixes) Futureboogie Recordings
This EP is simply for those that have a love for House Music. The Original Mix of Cosine has a dark feel with tantilizing synth work, deep basslines, dreamy vocals and bells, that when put all together creates a moody and delicious soundscape. When listening to the A Sagittariun remix of Cosine, the intro brings instant memories of the 1985 International smash hit Axel F. in this listeners ears. Lauer’s remix of Cosine has nice vocal treatments and utilizes Piano sounds in the forefront along with great synth work and subtle percussion throughout giving the track a different feel and groove. The B-Side, Key Free is simply divine. With its catchy melody, low-end synth basslines and quick rhythms, this track also points back to the Eighties style of electronic music. —Joseph Arthur
—Stephanie Hernandez
ROGUE Rattlesnake EP Monstercat
This Trap style single from ROGUE, aka Joel Hunt, is a sounds smorgasbord with killer beats that blend beautifully with imaginative synth hooks, heavy basslines and wild vocal inflections. Just like ROGUE’S previous releases, Rattlesnake is made for success for the charts, dance floors and radio. Four words— Get This Single Now! —Joseph Arthur
RUF DOG Guybrush & Joanna EP Cosmic Pint Glass
Ruff Dug bring his own gamer sounds with his EP Guybrush and Joanna. While these electro beats were unique
SPECTRASOUL Always/I Don’t Mind CD Single Shogun Audio
Always/I Don’t Mind is the first single from the forth coming album “The Mistress” which is scheduled to be released in May. Always begins with lightning quick beats, meshing vocals with piano and synthesiser effects, that quite frankly makes it masterful track. I Don’t Mind is the track that will raise eyebrows though. The vocals are upfront and immediately will have you asking, is that SEAL? SEAL on speed? The programming beats are first rate and is described as being the “Dance Floor” track. If these two tracks are indicative of what’s to come from the full album, it should be stellar. —Joseph Arthur
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Available June 15, 2015